♥ Thursday, November 29, 2007

Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean ?

A daughter complained to her father about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it wanted to give up. She tired of fighting and struggling. It appeared that when one problem was solved, a new one arose.

Her father, a chef, took her to the kitchen. He filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon, the pots come to a boil. In one he placed carrots, in second he placed eggs, and in the last he placed ground coffee beans. He let them sit and boil without saying a single word.

About 20 minutes later, he turned off the fire. He fished the carrot out and placed them in a bowl. He pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then, he ladled the coffee out and poured it into a mug.

Turning to her, he asked, "What do you see?" "Carrots, eggs and coffee." she replied. He brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft. He then asked her to take the egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard boiled egg. Finally, he asked her to sip the coffee. She smiled, as she tasted its rich aroma. She humbly asked, "What does it mean, Father?"

Carrot
-some of us could appear to be strong and tough like a raw carrot. but when we face adversity(boiling water), we become soft and weak. we may not be able to react positively and calmly to the situation and may not be influenced by others.

Egg
-some of us seem to be tough when we actually hav low self-esteem, just like the raw egg. but when we are stressed, we become hardened or may appear to be stubborn and unmoving. we may not want to acknowledge the difficulty faced in the situation and may put the blame on others.

Ground coffee beans
-the ground coffee beans were unique, however. they appear ordinary, just like some of us. but the coffee beans changed into water when it was placed in the boiling water. similarly, when some of us face difficulties, we react positively by adapting to the situation and making necessary change where possible. we make difference.